The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday that Romo has made "excellent progress" since his surgery to relieve a herniated disk and likely will be cleared for low-impact work over the next week or two.

The signal-caller has been limited to basic core and stabilization exercises to bolster strength and flexibility in his lower back. Romo has responded well to this initial phase of rehabilitation and suffered no roadblocks, according to the newspaper.

Back injuries are tricky and often don't adhere to timetables, but Romo appears to be on target for a full recovery. We wouldn't be surprised to see him engage in passing drills this spring or open as a full participant in training camp.

While Romo's surgery couldn't have come at a worse time -- days before the team's high-stakes regular-season finale against Philly -- the upside is a full offseason to get healthy in time for a 2014 campaign that will see the quarterback paid $13.5 million to guide Dallas out of the abyss.